Page 11 of Bitter Truths

Rain hammers against the windows. I climb to my room, peeling off the damp dress. I grab comfy clothes, hoping that might ground me. Thunder rolls, shaking the house—a perfect match for my mood.

I flop onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. Whitney’s words stir doubts I’ve carried for years.

Obsessing over four guys who treat you like a sister.

But those kisses were anything but sisterly.

Still, the words bounce around my brain.

My phone buzzes, making me jump.

Speak of the devils.

Freddie

Anyone else having Bumblebee withdrawals? Or just me?

Tristan

Needy much, Frederick? Did you mean to include Bianca?

Freddie

Says the guy who checked this chat 342 times last night.

Owen

Guys, shut up. You’ll scare her off.

Weller

Can we act like adults? Is that too much to ask?

I stare at my phone, smiling. After this awful week, here they are, bickering like nothing has changed.

Me

Miss you guys too. I had to try on hiking boots for hours today. Kill me now.

Freddie

I can’t believe you’re abandoning us for three weeks.

Tristan

Not ideal.

Owen

It’s going to be torture dealing with these dipshits without a Bianca buffer.

My heart thuds wildly. Are they upset that I’m leaving?

Me

Torture for you? I’m the one identifying plants while hiking uphill with no bed or hot shower.

Pampered pretty boys like you wouldn’t last a day.